Sweet Cherry Mash Bars Recipe: Irresistible Homemade Treats
Sweet treats often surprise us, and these cherry mash bars deliver unexpected delight with their extraordinary flavor combination.
Chocolate lovers recognize this classic candy-inspired dessert that blends creamy textures and rich taste sensations.
Smooth peanut butter forms the base of these decadent bars, creating a rich foundation for the cherry layer.
Homemade cherry mash bars offer a nostalgic twist on a beloved candy that melts in your mouth.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet cherry and nutty undertones.
The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dessert that will leave everyone craving more.
Prepare to indulge in a treat that brings pure joy to your taste buds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 268 kcal
Servings: 12
Cherry Mash Bars Ingredient List
For Base and Binding:For Fruity Punch:For Preparation Support:Cherry Mash Bars Tools You’ll Want
How to Put Together Cherry Mash Bars
Mix powdered sugar, butter, cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in chopped cherries, ensuring the mixture holds together when rolled.
Roll the cherry mixture into small round balls. Place them carefully on a parchment-lined tray and pop into the freezer for a chilly nap (at least one hour) until completely solid.
Melt chocolate chips with a touch of oil in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until silky and glossy. Remove frozen cherry balls from freezer.
Carefully dip each frozen cherry ball into melted chocolate, using a fork to lift and let excess chocolate drip away. Place coated treats back on parchment paper.
Return chocolate-covered cherry bites to the freezer for 10-15 minutes until chocolate hardens completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Luscious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 13 1x
Description
Rich cherry mash bars blend nostalgic Midwestern candy with creamy chocolate layers. Homemade treats showcase classic American dessert flavors in simple, irresistible bites you’ll savor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g/8.8 oz) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (340 g/12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) finely chopped roasted peanuts
- ½ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ¼ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Creamy Base Preparation: Whip powdered sugar, softened butter, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and uniformly blended, creating a luxurious foundational mixture.
- Cherry Integration: Fold chopped maraschino cherries into the creamy base, adjusting consistency with powdered sugar if needed to maintain a compact, moldable texture that holds its shape effortlessly.
- Forming and Chilling: Shape the cherry-studded mixture into uniform one-inch spheres, arranging them carefully on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze the tray for at least one hour, allowing the cherry orbs to solidify completely and develop a firm, structurally sound consistency.
Notes
- Moisture Control: Adjust powdered sugar gradually to prevent dry or crumbly texture, ensuring the mixture binds perfectly without becoming too stiff.
- Chill Technique: Freezing is crucial for maintaining structural integrity, allowing cherry balls to set firmly and develop concentrated flavor profile.
- Cherry Distribution: Chop cherries finely and evenly to guarantee consistent taste and prevent large chunks that might disrupt smooth texture.
- Extract Balance: Use almond extract sparingly; its intense flavor can overpower delicate cherry notes, so measure precisely for optimal taste harmony.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 33 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.